Culture
The Arts The National Cultural Heritage Broadcasting Language Policy Sports Youth Activities
The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture July 2010
Translator: Alda Sigmundsdóttir
Published by: The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture Sölvhólsgata 4 150 Reykjavík Tel.: +354 545 9500 Fax: +354 562 3068 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.menntamalaraduneyti.is
ISBN 978-9979-777-85-4
Contents
The arts and cultural affairs ...... 7
Literature ...... 9
Theatre and other performing arts ...... 11
Visual arts ...... 12
Music ...... 14
Cinema ...... 15
Museums and the national cultural heritage ...... 17
Cultural agreements with local authorities ...... 221
Broadcasting ...... 24
Sports ...... 25
Youth and leisure activities ...... 27
Budget allocations ...... 29
Culture
„Culture‟ is a difficult term to define. It is vague by nature and variable in scope. In the context of this report, the focus is on cultural issues as administered by the Department of Cultural Affairs, a special department of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, which do not fall under the categories of education or science. The division between these sets of issues can often be rather unclear. Obviously schools and scientific institutions play a fundamental role in the nation‟s cultural life. It should also be noted that in a discussion limited by this framework, important aspects of culture are left out, such as those relating to the National Church and other religious denominations. This framework, however, incorporates the traditional definition of the arts, such as music, drama, literature, cinema, the media and the preservation and transmission of the cultural heritage. Sports and youth activities are also included in the definition of culture in this context.
Most cultural activities in Iceland are in the hands of individuals or non- governmental organisations, and are free of official intervention in terms of the content and structure of the work. This applies to the arts, sports and youth activities, and various other cultural affairs. Examples of state-owned institutions in the cultural sector are the National Theatre, the National Gallery and the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. Apart from running a few important institutions of this sort, the state‟s role in the field is primarily to ensure a fertile environment for activities instigated by others, and to support such initiative as well as possible, so that it may flourish. The Ministry‟s cultural agreements with local authorities are guided by this principle, aiming to support the foundations of cultural activity throughout Iceland.
Public institutions play a substantial role in the preservation of cultural heritage. Most major museums or galleries are operated or funded by the state or local authorities, sometimes as a cooperative effort between the two. Responsibility is broadly divided in this area, as each and every Icelander plays a part in the preservation and development of the cultural heritage and its transmission to future generations. This is, for example, obvious in such a fundamental element as the national language, Icelandic.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, hereafter referred to as the Ministry of Culture, emphasizes the autonomy of cultural institutions run by the state. Performance-based agreements have been made with the institutions, in which they set goals and prioritise tasks. Funds administered by the Ministry are allocated on a professional basis, in which maintaining a reasonable distance is held as a guiding principle.
5 The Ministry of Culture’s support for the arts and general cultural affairs
The Ministry of Culture is responsible for administering the arts and general cultural affairs in Iceland. State support of the arts and culture is meant to allow Icelandic citizens to enjoy arts and culture regardless of their social status, and to ensure a favourable working environment for artists. The state‟s involvement in the arts focuses primarily on professional artists and arts institutions. The state‟s support in the field is as outlined below.
Operation of art institutions
By operating art institutions, the state wishes to ensure that Icelandic citizens are given the opportunity to enjoy art by professional artists that meet the highest standards, as well as providing professional artists with the best possible conditions for their creativity. Moreover, art institutions are venues for creativity in Icelandic art and preservation of the cultural heritage in that field.
Direct allocations from the national budget to independent arts organisations and others The state allocates funding to independent parties that operate arts institutions founded on similar premises as those run by the state. This gives a greater number of individuals the opportunity to engage in artistic and cultural activities on a professional basis. Cultural agreements with local authorities also fall under this category.
Artists’ salaries The state provides working grants to professional artists to ensure that they have the opportunity to devote themselves entirely to their art, free from external concerns, thus ensuring a high standard of artistic creativity in Iceland.
Funds supporting the arts and general cultural affairs
The Ministry of Culture allocates grants for projects of various types, in order to ensure that professional and independent creative work can take place. Grants are also provided for artistic groups, in order to secure consistency in their activities and work. In that way, artistic creativity and expression on a professional basis are placed on a par with basic research in the sciences, for example.
Promotion of Icelandic arts and artists abroad
Artists‟ participation in international cooperation is a necessary ingredient in promoting artistic creativity in Iceland and cannot be held separate from other artistic work. The state helps to facilitate such artistic cooperation, in addition to actively promoting Icelandic arts and culture abroad.
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The arts and cultural affairs
Artists’ salaries Under the current Artists‟ Salaries Act no. 57/2009 artists‟ salaries are allocated each year from six separate funds: the Designers‟ Fund, the Visual Artists‟ Fund, the Writers‟ Fund, the Performing Artists‟ Fund, the Musicians‟ Fund and the Composers‟ Fund. In addition to artists‟ salaries, the funds are authorised to provide study and travel grants. The funds are supervised by a three-member Artists‟ Salary Board. The Minister of Culture appoints the board for three-year terms on the basis of nominations from the Federation of Icelandic Artists and the Icelandic Academy for the Arts. One member is appointed without nomination.
The purpose of artists‟ salaries is to stimulate artistic creativity in Iceland and to make it possible for those artists receiving the salary grants to devote themselves entirely to their respective craft.
Artists‟ salaries paid annually amount in 2010 to 1,325 monthly wages, 1,465 in 2011 and 1,600 in 2012 and from there on. Artists‟ salaries are 266.737 ISK based on 2009 state budget and will be changed every year according to development of salaries, prices etc. Artists receiving salary grants from the state for more than six months may not to be engaged in other permanent work, and are expected to submit a report on their work. Allocations to the Artists‟ Salaries Fund under the 2010 state budget were ISK 373,8 million. www.listamannalaun.is. Artists‟ salaries are divided amongst the following funds:
The Designers’ Salary Fund The Designers‟ Salary Fund allocates salaries and grants equivalent to 20 monthly salaries in 2010, 35 in 2011 and 50 in 2012 and from there on. A three-member committee, appointed annually by the Minister of Culture on the basis of recommendations by the associations of designers and architects, makes decisions on allocations from the Designers‟ Salary Fund.
The Visual Artists’ Salary Fund The Visual Artists‟ Salary Fund allocates salaries equivalent to 360 monthly salaries in 2010, 400 in 2011 and 435 in 2012 and from there on. A three- member committee, appointed annually by the Minister of Culture on the basis of recommendations by the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, makes decisions on allocations from the Visual Artists‟ Salary Fund.
The Writers’ Salary Fund The Writers‟ Salary Fund allocates salaries equivalent to 505 monthly salaries in 2010, 530 in 2011 and 555 in 2012 and from there on. A three- member committee, appointed annually by the Minister of Culture on the basis of recommendations from the Writers‟ Union of Iceland, makes decisions on allocations from the Writers‟ Salary Fund.
The Performer Artists’ Salary Fund
The Performer Artists‟ Salary fund allocates salaries equivalent to 160 monthly salaries in 2010, 175 in 2011 and 190 in 2012 and from there on. A
7 three-member committee, appointed annually by the Minister of Culture on the basis of recommendations from the Iceland Theatre Association, makes decisions on allocations from the Performer Artists‟ Salary Fund.
The Musicians’ Salary Fund
The Musicians‟ Salary Fund allocates salaries equivalent to 150 monthly salaries in 2010, 165 in 2011 and 180 in 2012 and from there on. A three- member committee, appointed annually by the Minister of Culture on the basis of recommendations from the Icelandic Musicians‟ Union (two members) and the Association of Icelandic Musicians (one member).
The Composers’ Salary Fund The Composers‟ Salary Fund allocates salaries equivalent to 130 monthly salaries in 2010, 160 in 2011 and 180 in 2012 and from there on. A three- member committee, appointed annually by the Minister of Culture on the basis of recommendations by the Association of Icelandic Composers, makes allocations from the Composers‟ Salary Fund.
The Community Centres’ Cultural Fund The fund operates under the Community Centres‟ Act no. 107/1970 with later amendments. Its functions are more closely defined in Regulations on the Community Centres‟ Cultural Fund no. 296/1990. The primary purpose of the fund is to provide grants to cover travel and transport costs in connection with cultural events held outside the capital area. The fund is administered by the Cultural Fund Committee, appointed by the Minister of Culture for four-year terms; two members on the basis of nominations by the Icelandic Youth Association and the Federation of Icelandic Women‟s Associations, respectively, one on the basis of a joint nomination by the Association of Icelandic Amateur Theatres and the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, and one without nomination. No allocations are to the fund in the 2010 national budget.
The Non-fiction Writers’ Salary Fund The Non-fiction Writers‟ Salary Fund operates in accordance with Regulation No. 268/1999 and allocates salaries on an annual basis. Writers of popular academic works, reference books, dictionaries and extensive informative works of various types in Icelandic are entitled to apply for disbursements from the fund. The Non-fiction Writers‟ Salary Fund‟s administrative committee is appointed by the Minister of Culture for two- year terms; one member nominated by the Icelandic Research Council, one nominated by Hagþenkir, the Association of Icelandic Non-fiction Writers, and the chairman is appointed by the Minister without nomination. Allocations to the fund from the 2010 national budget were ISK 12,4 million.
The Children’s Cultural Fund The Children‟s Cultural Fund was founded in 1994 with an allocation from the Ministry of Culture, and subjected to regulations No. 246/1994. It derives its income from annual contributions by the Ministry of Culture, as well as other arbitrary contributions. The role of the Children‟s Cultural
8 Fund is to support artistic and cultural projects that are specifically designed for children and/or created with their active participation. The board of the Children‟s Cultural Fund is appointed by the Minister of Culture for two- year terms; the Icelandic Teachers‟ Association, the Federation of Icelandic Artists and the National Youth Council each nominating a member, and two members are appointed without nomination. The first disbursement from the fund was in 1995. Allocations to the fund from the 2010 national budget were ISK 4,2 million.
The Reykjavík Arts Festival The Reykjavík Arts Festival is an institution with its own administration. Its role is to prepare and conduct arts festivals in Reykjavík presenting music and singing, theatre and dance, literature, visual arts and architecture. The Ministry of Culture, the City of Reykjavík, and various organisations and institutions in the fields of art and culture are the affiliates of the Reykjavík Arts Festival. The administration of the Reykjavík Arts Festival is carried out by a council of representatives. The preparation and execution of the Reykjavík Arts Festival is the responsibility of its administrative board and the artistic director hired by the board. Three members make up the board: one nominated by the Minister of Culture, one nominated by the Mayor of Reykjavík, and one elected bi-annually at the Annual General Meeting of the representative council of the Festival. The Ministry of Culture and the City of Reykjavík guarantee financial support for the Reykjavík Arts Festival under a special agreement regarding funding for the cultural and promotional work of the festival. The Ministry of Culture‟s contribution to the Reykjavík Arts Festival in 2010 amounted to ISK 32,4 million. www.artfest.is.
Literature
Public libraries The Public Libraries Act No. 36/1997 stipulates that all residents of Iceland shall have access to the services provided by public libraries, their role being defined as information and cultural institutions for the general public. The Act requires all municipalities to provide such services. Each library shall arrange its operations in such a way as to facilitate the best possible collaboration between libraries in Iceland, as regards service for users.
Under the Act, public libraries are defined as libraries for the public run by different local authorities on the one hand, and libraries in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons, run by the respective institution, on the other.
An advisory committee on the matters of public libraries is appointed by the Minister of Culture for three-year terms. The committee is made up of three representatives; one nominated by the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland, one by the National and University Library of Iceland, and the third by the Icelandic Library Association. The Minister of Culture appoints a chairman and deputy chairman from amongst the committee members.
Under the Compulsory School Act and the Upper Secondary School Act, libraries should be operated for students.
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The National and University Library of Iceland The National and University Library of Iceland operates according to Act No. 71/1994 with later amendments, Regulation No. 706/1998, and the Act on Compulsory Returns to Libraries and Museums, No. 20/2002.
Its role is to collect and preserve the written cultural resources of the Icelandic nation, acquire printed matter from abroad for the different faculties of and general needs at the University of Iceland, and to provide the academic community, students at the University of Iceland and the general public with the best access possible to the materials kept by the library. The Minister of Culture appoints a five-member library board for terms of four years; two nominated by the University Senate of the University of Iceland, one nominated by the scientific committee of the Science and Technology Policy Council, one nominated by the Icelandic Library Association, and one without nomination. The Minister of Culture appoints a National Librarian for five-year terms. Allocations from the national budget in 2010 were ISK 656,1 million. www.bok.hi.is.
The Icelandic Library for the Blind The Icelandic Library for the Blind operates in accordance with Act No. 35/1982 and Regulation No. 201/1987, with later amendments. According to Paragraph 1 of the Icelandic Library for the Blind Act, its role is to provide comprehensive library services to the blind, to those with limited vision and anyone unable to use regular printed matter. The Ministry of Culture appoints the five-person board of the Icelandic Library for the Blind for four- year terms. Two members are nominated by the Icelandic Association of the Blind, one is nominated by the Association of Icelandic Special Education Teachers, one by Upplýsing – the Icelandic Library and Information Science Association, and one represents the Ministry of Culture. The board elects a chairman and deputy chairman from its ranks. The Minister of Culture appoints a director of the Icelandic Library for the Blind for five-year terms on the basis of a report by the library‟s board. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 80,3 million. www.bbi.is.
The Literature Fund The Literature fund was established by Act No. 91/2007. Its role is to support Icelandic literature and quality publishing. The fund shall discharge its role by supporting the publication of original Icelandic works of fiction and quality publications that are likely to promote Icelandic culture, supporting the publication of quality foreign literature in Icelandic, supporting the promotion of Icelandic literature in Iceland and abroad and by carrying out other projects that come under the purview of the board of the Literature Fund. The Fund replaces the Cultural Fund, the Literature Promotion Fund and the Translation Fund. The Minister of Culture appoints five persons to the board of the Literature Fund for a term of three years at a time. The Writers‟ Union of Iceland nominates two representatives, the Icelandic Publishers‟ Association one, Hagþenkir – Association of Icelandic Non-fiction Writers – one and one without nomination. The Act also replaces the Act No. 33/1997 on the Writers‟ Lending Library Fund. Section III of the Act No. 91/2007 stipulates payments to writers for the use of books in libraries. A special committee, appointed by the Minister of Culture for a term of three years at a time, is in charge of allocations. It consists of five
10 persons. Hagþenkir – Association of Icelandic Non-fiction Writers, the Writers‟ Union of Iceland, and Myndstef – the Icelandic Visual Artists‟s Rights Society nominate one each and two members, one of whom shall be the chairman, are appointed without nomination. In 2010 allocations to the Literature Fund from the national budget are ISK 42,5 million and ISK 25,5 million to payments for the use of books in libraries. www.bok.is and www.rsi.is
Theatre and other performing arts
The Dramatic Arts Act No. 138/1998 stipulates that the state funds and operates a National Theatre and provides allocations from the national budget on an annual basis to support other forms of dramatic arts, both on a professional and amateur basis. In addition to general theatre, such funding may incorporate children‟s theatre, puppet theatre, opera and dance.
Provisions in the Dramatic Arts Act stipulate that local authorities should provide funding for the dramatic arts in their areas according to allocations set aside on their individual budgets.
The Dramatic Arts Council The Minister of Culture appoints a three-member Drama Council for a two- year term. One member is nominated by the Icelandic Theatre Association, one by the Association of Independent Theatres, and one is appointed without nomination and is also the chairman of the council. The primary purpose of the council is to make recommendations to the Minister of Culture regarding funding for professional theatre groups, and to provide commentary on matters in the dramatic arts field when requested to do so by the Ministry of Culture. The council can also take the initiative and direct recommendations and proposals concerning the dramatic arts to the Ministry.
The National Theatre The National Theatre operates under the Dramatic Arts Act No. 138/1998. The primary role of the National Theatre is to present plays, both Icelandic and foreign, as well as operas and musicals. One or more productions per year should be aimed especially at children. The National Theatre should endeavour to stimulate Icelanders‟ interest in the dramatic arts and other performing arts. It should strive to promote the writing of new Icelandic plays and act as a model for the artistic production of various projects and the use of the Icelandic language. The Minister of Culture appoints a five- member National Theatre Council for four-year terms. The Icelandic Actors‟ Association nominates one member, the Icelandic Association of Stage, Film and TV Directors nominates one, and three are appointed without nomination. The chairman and deputy chairman are appointed from amongst the council members. The Minister of Culture appoints an artistic director of the National Theatre for five-year terms, on the recommendation of the National Theatre Council. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 707,8 million. www.leikhusid.is
11 The Iceland Dance Company The Iceland Dance Company operates according to regulations concerning the Iceland Dance Company No. 14/2001 with later amendments, as per the Dramatic Arts Act No. 138/1998. The role of the Iceland Dance Company is to perform artistic dance, facilitate innovation in Icelandic choreography and to be a venue for the strengthening and growth of artistic dance in Iceland. The Icelandic Dance Company is presided over by the artistic director in cooperation with the board, made up of three members appointed by the Minister of Culture for four-year terms. One member is nominated by the Icelandic Association of Professional Dancers, and two members are appointed without nomination, of whom one shall act as chairman. The artistic director is the director of the company and is appointed by the Minister of Culture for five-year terms, based on the board‟s recommendation. Allocations from the 2010 budget were ISK 120,4 million. www.id.is.
Theatre and opera The Ministry of Culture and the Hafnarfjörður Theatre Company Hermóður og Háðvör have signed an agreement for 2010 stipulating financial support for the activities of the company to ISK 15 million. www.hhh.is
Under a cultural agreement, the Municipality of Akureyri and the state treasury contribute with an equal sum to the professional theatre company run under the auspices of the Akureyri City Theatre. www.leikfelag.is
The Icelandic Opera is a non-profit institution that receives its funding from the state treasury. The Ministry of Culture and the board of the Icelandic Opera have signed an agreement concerning its activities. The purpose of the Icelandic Opera is to promote the development of continuous and diverse operatic performances under the auspices of the Icelandic Opera, and to provide a venue for Icelandic opera singers to use their education and showcase their talents. The agreement was in effect until the end of year 2009. Allocations from the 2010 budget were ISK 140,6 million. www.opera.is
Grants to professional theatre companies are allocated by the Ministry of Culture based on recommendations by the Dramatic Arts Council. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 64,9 million.
Funding provided in the national budget to amateur theatre groups is disbursed by the Ministry of Culture based on recommendations by the Icelandic Amateur Theatre Association. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 20 million.
Visual arts
The National Gallery of Iceland The National Gallery of Iceland operates in accordance with Act No. 58/1988 with later amendments, and Regulation No. 231/1995 with later amendments. The National Gallery of Iceland shall be the main art museum in the country, as well as a centre of research, the collection of source documents and promotion of Icelandic visual arts. The primary roles of the
12 Gallery are: 1. To acquire as complete as possible a collection of Icelandic art, as well as recognised foreign artworks; to catalogue the collection; and to preserve and exhibit the collection, both domestically and abroad. 2. Conduct research into Icelandic visual art from the end of the 19th century until today, run an educational programme; promote the works in the gallery‟s collection as well as the gallery‟s activities; and provide foreign galleries and other public institutions with professional advice and information about Icelandic visual arts, insofar as possible.
The Minister of Culture appoints a five-member Museum Council. The museum director holds a seat on the council by virtue of his position, and the Minister of Culture appoints four other members to the council for three- year terms: two according to nominations from the representative council of the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, one from among the full-time staff members of the gallery, and a chairman who is appointed without nomination. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 179,7 million. www.listasafn.is
The Ásgrímur Jónsson Collection is operated as a special department within the National Gallery of Iceland. www.listasafn.is
The Einar Jónsson Museum The Einar Jónsson Museum operates in accordance with the last will and testament of sculptor Einar Jónsson and his wife Anna Jørgensen, dated 11 September 1954. The testament stipulates that the role of the museum is to preserve, exhibit and study the work of Einar Jónsson, to catalogue his artwork, and to keep records of documents concerning his career and other factors relating to his life and work. Allocations from the 2010 budget were ISK 17,1 million. www.skulptur.is
The Public Buildings Art Fund The Public Buildings Art Fund is subject to Act No. 46/1998. Its objective is to decorate public buildings and their surroundings with artwork and in that way to promote artistic creativity in Iceland. One per cent of the total construction cost of any public building is to be used for its decoration and that of its surroundings. Allocations are also made under the national budget each year for the artistic decoration of older buildings. The board of the Public Buildings Art Fund shall be appointed by the Minister of Culture as follows: Two members are appointed on the basis of a nomination by the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, one on the basis of a nomination by the Association of Icelandic Architects, one on the basis of a nomination by a joint committee on public works, and a chairman appointed without nomination. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 7,1 million. www.listskreytingasjodur.is
The Visual Artists’ Copyrights Fund Under the Act No. 60/2000, the Icelandic Visual Artists‟ Copyrights Fund – Myndstef oversees the collection and administration of “continuing sales levies” as of 1 January 2001, in accordance with Regulation No. 486/2001 on
13 continuing sales levies. These shall be paid from the price of visual works of art when sold at art auctions and re-sold commercially. The levy is paid to the artist concerned, or his/her heirs. Should the copyright have lapsed or if it is owned by the Icelandic state, the continuing sales levy is paid to the Visual Artists‟ Copyrights Fund – Myndstef. www.myndstef.is
The Center for Icelandic Art The Center for Icelandic Art is a non-profit institution. Its purpose is to promote Icelandic art abroad and facilitate the participation of Icelandic artists in international collaboration. Members of the Center for Icelandic Art are the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, the Visual Artists‟ Copyrights Fund – Myndstef, the National Gallery of Iceland, the Reykjavík Art Museum, the Akureyri Art Museum, the Living Art Museum, the Hafnarfjörður Institute of Culture and Fine Art, the Kópavogur Art Museum, the Art Gallery of the Icelandic Federation of Labour and the Trade Council of Iceland. The Ministry of Culture allocates funding to the Center for Icelandic Art for its activities, as well as to allow it to disburse grants for the participation of Icelandic artists in collaborations abroad. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 14,4 million. www.cia.is
Music
The Music Council and Music Fund The Music Council and the Music Fund operate under Act No. 76/2004. The Minister of Culture appoints three members to the Music Council. Samtónn – the joint copyright organisation for composers, performers and producers nominates one member, and two are appointed without nomination. The role of the Music Council is to provide recommendations to the Minister of Culture regarding allocations of grants from the Music Fund and to advise the Minister on matters pertaining to music. The Music Fund disburses grants to various musical projects, in addition to awarding fixed stipends to orchestras and other parties under various agreements. Allocations to the Music Fund from the 2010 national budget were ISK 45,9 million.
The Iceland Symphony Orchestra The Iceland Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1950 and now operates under Act No. 36/1982. The Act stipulates that the orchestra should aim to enrich Icelandic musical culture, stimulate interest and knowledge of classical music and provide the residents of Iceland with the opportunity to enjoy such music by giving concerts in as many locations in Iceland as possible, and through radio broadcasts. Special emphasis should be on performing and promoting Icelandic music. The orchestra should strive to maintain the closest cooperation possible with those working towards related objectives. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra has been funded by the state treasury, which paid 56% of its operating costs, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (25%), the City of Reykjavík (18%) and the Municipality of Seltjarnarnes (1%). In 2007 the law has been changed so the state pays also the part of the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service and the part of the Municipality of Seltjarnarnes, altogether 82%. The orchestra‟s
14 five-member board is appointed for four-year terms; one is nominated by the City of Reykjavík, one by the orchestra‟s employees‟ union, one by the Ministry of Finance and one by the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. The Ministry of Culture appoints a chairman without nomination. The orchestra board hires a managing director for a period of four years at a time. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 655,6 million. www.sinfonia.is
Other musical projects The North Iceland Symphony Orchestra is allocated an operational grant according to an agreement with the Municipality of Akureyri, concerning funding to support cultural activities in the town. The agreement stipulates that the local authorities in Akureyri shall also contribute funding for the activities of the orchestra. The Icelandic Music Information Centre which is operated by Icelandic composer receives a contribution for its activities from the state treasury, amounting to ISK 11,6 million in 2010. Its main purpose is to preserve and catalogue Icelandic contemporary music, and to promote it both domestically and abroad. The Icelandic Music Information Centre also disseminates information about Icelandic music, composers and musical activities.
Music for All is a joint project between the state and local authorities, the goal of which is to introduce Icelandic compulsory school pupils to various forms of music. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 6,3 million.
In addition to the above, Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi, provides under the national budget grants for various musical performances and projects.
Film
The Icelandic Film Fund and the Icelandic Film Centre
The Icelandic Film Centre operates according to the Cinema Act No. 137/2001. Its main purpose is to support the production and distribution of Icelandic films, facilitate the promotion, marketing and sales of Icelandic films in Iceland and abroad, collect and publish information about Icelandic films, work to advance cinematic culture in Iceland, and facilitate increased communication between Icelandic and foreign parties in the cinematic field. The role of the Icelandic Film Centre is specified in more detail in Article II of Act No. 137/2001 and Regulation No. 229/2003 on the Icelandic Film Fund, as well as later amendments to Regulation No. 1066/2004. The Minister of Culture appoints a seven-member Film Council for three-year terms; a chairman and deputy chairman are appointed without nomination, and the other five according to nominations by the following: The Icelandic Film Makers‟ Association, the Icelandic Producers‟ Association, the Association of Icelandic Film Directors, the Association of Cinema Owners and the Federation of Icelandic Artists. The Council advices the government in film matters and makes proposals to the Minister of Culture in policy matters within the film sector. The Minister of Culture appoints the director of the Icelandic Film Centre for five-year terms, based on a recommendation
15 by the Film Council. Allocations to the Icelandic Film Fund from the 2010 national budget were ISK 450 million, and to the Icelandic Film Centre ISK 74 million. www.iff.is
National Film Archive of Iceland The National Film Archive of Iceland operates according to the Cinema Act No. 137/2001, the Act on Compulsory Returns to Libraries and Museums No. 20/2002, and Regulation on Compulsory Returns to Libraries and Museums No. 982/2003. The role of the archive is to collect, catalogue and preserve Icelandic films, films made through collaborations between Icelandic and foreign parties, and foreign films that were filmed in Iceland. Incorporated in this is the preservation of materials that must be turned in under the Act on Compulsory Returns to Libraries and Museums. Furthermore, the National Film Archive should monitor compulsory deliveries of filmed materials under the Act on Compulsory Returns to Libraries and Museums, screen Icelandic and foreign films, maintain and restore films kept by the archives, facilitate cinematic studies by academics and professionals, and promote cinematic culture in Iceland. The Minister of Culture appoints a director of the National Film Archive of Iceland for five- year terms. Allocations from 2010 national budget were 50,6 million. www.kvikmyndasafn.is
The Ministry of Culture’s support for museums and matters concerning the national cultural heritage
The Ministry of Culture administrates matters concerning museums and the national cultural heritage. Support by the state is intended to facilitate the preservation of relics pertaining to the national heritage, and to ensure that the Icelandic cultural heritage is passed on to future generations intact. It is also meant to simplify access to and awareness of the nation‟s cultural heritage, and assist in related research. The state‟s support in this field is outlined below.
Operation of cultural institutions By operating institutions in the field of cultural heritage, the state seeks to support autonomous research into Iceland‟s cultural heritage and provide the general public with an opportunity to become acquainted with that heritage. Such institutions also hold an administrative role in specific matters, such as the issuing of research licences, declaring cultural remains as protected, etc.
Financial support for other institutions in the field of cultural heritage As well as being actively involved in the operation of cultural institutions, the state allocates funding to local authorities and other parties who operate such institutions, provided they come under the acts on museums and cultural heritage.
16 Operation of funds which support projects, et al. To ensure professionalism in the field of cultural heritage, the state provides project grants of various types, such as for archaeological research, building preservation, exhibitions, and more.
Issuing of research licences and monitoring of research As stated above, the objective of the state is to ensure that the Icelandic national cultural heritage is passed on to subsequent generations intact. One of the means to that end is to monitor research into archaeological remains and cultural heritage relics.
Museums and the national cultural heritage
The Museum Council – the Museum Fund The Museum Council operates on the basis of the Museum Act No. 106/2001. The role of the council, which is also a consultation forum for galleries and museums, is to supervise museums owned by the state as well as those that receive state funding. The Museum Council makes allocations from the Museum Fund. Its role is to financially support the activities of museums that come under the Museum Act, other than state-owned museums. The Minister of Culture appoints the Museum Council for four- year terms. The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland nominates one council member as well as a deputy. In addition, the directors of the country‟s central museums hold seats on the council: The National Gallery of Iceland, the Icelandic Museum of Natural History and Science. Each of those shall appoint a deputy. Allocations to the Museum Fund in 2010 amounted to ISK 94,4 million. www.safnarad.is
The National Museum of Iceland The National Museum of Iceland operates according to Acts No. 107/2001, No. 106/2001 and Regulation No. 334/1998. The National Museum of Iceland is the country‟s central museum in the preserve of the national heritage. Its role is to collect, catalogue, preservation and research into relics concerning the nation‟s cultural history, as well as their presentation in Iceland and abroad. The National Museum acts as an advisor to regional museums and other heritage museums, facilitates cooperation between museums, and works to maintain a coordinated policy in the field of archaeological preservation. The Minister of Culture appoints the director of the National Museum, the State Antiquarian, for five-year terms. Allocations to the National Museum under the 2010 national budget were ISK 468,6 million. www.natmus.is
The Archaeological Heritage Agency of Iceland The Archaeological Heritage Agency of Iceland operates in accordance with Act No. 107/2001, provisions in the Objects of Cultural Value Act No. 105/2001, provisions in the Building Preservation Act No. 104/2001, provisions in the Planning and Building Act No. 73/1997 with later
17 amendments, and provisions in the Environmental Impact Assessment Act No. 106/2000.
The Archaeological Heritage Agency is an administrative body and its role is to ensure insofar as possible the preservation of cultural heritage relics in their environment, to simplify access to and awareness of such relics for the general public, and to facilitate research. The agency issues permits for and monitors all local and short-term archaeological research. It also determines which archaeological remains, grave markers and church objects should be declared as protected, and makes decisions regarding the lifting of such provisions. The Minister of Culture appoints the director of the Archaeological Heritage Agency for five-year terms. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 108,2 million. www.fornleifavernd.is
The Archaeological Committee is appointed for four-year terms by the Minister of Culture. The archaeologists‟ societies nominate two members, and three members are appointed without nomination. The Archaeological Committee deals with matters referred to it under paragraph 1, Article 7 of the National Monuments Act No. 107/2001.
The Archaeology Fund The administration of the fund is in the hands of a three-member committee appointed by the Minister of Culture. One member shall be appointed on the basis of a nomination by the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland, and two without nomination. The committee disburses grants from the fund for projects concerning research and preservation. The fund derives its income from the state treasury under the national budget, and through other contributions. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 19,1 million.
The National Architectural Heritage Board The National Architectural Heritage Board operates under the Building Protection Act No. 104/2001. It makes recommendations to the Minister of Culture concerning the preservation of the nation‟s cultural heritage and assesses which buildings should be declared protected at any given time. The board also administers the National Architectural Heritage Fund and makes decisions regarding allocations from it. The Minister of Culture appoints a five-member board for terms of four years; one member is nominated by the Association of Icelandic Architects, one by the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland, and three are appointed without nomination. The chairman of the board is appointed by the Minister of Culture for five- year terms. Allocations for board activities from the 2010 national budget were ISK 74,8 million. www.hfrn.is
The National Architectural Heritage Fund The role of the National Architectural Heritage Fund is to provide grants for the maintenance, preservation and restoration of protected buildings and other structures. Grants may also be allocated to other buildings that the National Architectural Heritage Board has judged to have cultural, historical
18 or artistic value. The Fund also supports research into the history of building in Iceland and publications on that subject. The Fund derives its income from the state treasury under each year‟s national budget, as well as from the Local Authorities‟ Equalisation Fund and through independent contributions. Disbursements from the Fund are divided into categories, with grants provided for protected buildings, protected churches, buildings in museum areas, research projects, investigations of buildings, and other projects, including the restoration of buildings owned by private individuals or local authorities, that are not protected but are regarded as important by the National Architectural Heritage Board. The National Architectural Heritage Fund is administered by the National Architectural Heritage Board. Allocations to the Fund from the 2010 national budget were ISK 141,0 million.
The Place-Name Committee The Place-Name Committee oversees the naming of farms, in accordance with paragraphs 5, 7 and 8 of Act No. 35/1953. The committee also provides rulings in cases where disputes or disagreements arise on which place names shall be included on maps. The committee also provides rulings in disputes over new street names and other such place names in municipal areas. Party to the committee are the National Land Survey of Iceland, other map publishers, the Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies, landowners, local authorities, and the ministry concerned, but other involvement is subject to administrative law. The committee is authorised to seek the opinion of specialists prior to making decisions. Rulings by the committee may be referred to the minister as per provisions in administrative law. The Minister of Culture appoints the Place-Name Committee for four-year terms. One member shall be nominated by the Árni Magnússon Institute in Icelandic Studies, one by the Ministry for the Environment, and the third, who is also chairman of the committee, shall be appointed by the Minister of Culture without nomination. www.ornefni.is
The National Archives of Iceland Under the National Archives Act No. 66/1985, with later amendments, the role of the National Archives of Iceland is to collect and preserve documents and other recorded sources concerning Icelandic history for use by the government, institutions and individuals to protect their interests and rights, and for use in scientific and academic studies. The Act stipulates which agencies are obliged to deliver documents to the National Archives for preservation. The National Archives supervises the operations of regional archives as per Regulation No. 283/1994, that by law are to receive annual grants under the national budget. Funding of this type comes under the budget item for the National Archive, which is in charge of grant allocations. The Ministry of Culture appoints a board for the National Archives for a period of four years. The National Archivist holds a seat on the board by virtue of his position. In addition, one member shall be nominated by the Institute of History, University of Iceland, one by the permanent staff of the National Archives, and one is appointed without nomination. The Minister of Culture appoints a chairman from amongst the board members. The Minister appoints a National Archivist for five-year terms based on a
19 recommendation by the National Archives‟ board. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 296,1 million. www.archives.is
The Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies The Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies began formal operations on 1 September 2006. The institute operates under Act No. 40/2006. The role of the institute is to conduct research in Icelandic and related academic studies, in particular concerning the Icelandic language and Icelandic literature, to transmit knowledge in those areas, and to protect and develop the collections that it possesses or those placed in its care. The institute fulfils its role primarily by:
a) Obtaining and preserving primary documents in its academic field, collecting ethnographic sources relating to the Icelandic lexicon, and making those available to academics and the general public;
b) Studying manuscripts, ethnological collections and other records concerning the Icelandic language, Icelandic literature and history; engaging in research into terminology and onomastics and projects in the field of language technology;
c) Facilitating an increased awareness of the Icelandic language and its development and preservation in spoken and written form, and providing advice and instruction on an academic basis regarding linguistic matters, concerning among other things technical terms and neologisms;
d) Boosting collaboration within the institute‟s academic fields both domestically and abroad, augmenting awareness of Icelandic studies among the general public and the international academic community, and engaging in cooperation in the teaching of Icelandic and Icelandic studies abroad;
e) Publishing academic texts, texts based on manuscripts, ethnological materials, dictionaries and lexicons.
The Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies replaces the Icelandic Language Institute, the Icelandic Dictionary of the University of Iceland, the Árni Magnússon Institute in Iceland, the Sigurður Nordal Institute, and the Place-Name Institute of Iceland. It is a university institution with its own board and financing. The Minister of Culture appoints a five-member board for four-year terms. Three members are appointed according to nomination by the University Senate and two without nomination, with one of those two acting as chairman. The Minister of Culture appoints a director for five-year terms on the recommendation of the board. Allocations to the Institute from the 2010 national budget were ISK 263,9 million. www.arnastofnun.is
The Icelandic Language Council advises authorities in matters concerning the Icelandic language and makes recommendations to the Minister of Culture on language policy, as well as issuing an annual report on the status of the Icelandic language. The Language Council can take the initiative in commenting on that what is done well and what might be improved in the use of Icelandic in public forums. The Icelandic Language Council composes Icelandic orthographic rules published by the Minister of Culture on which,
20 among other things, the teaching of spelling in Icelandic schools is based. In 2009 the Parliament approved a Language Policy for Icelandic. The Minister of Culture appoints the Icelandic Language Council for four-year terms. The council is made up of 15 members. Each of the following nominates one member to the council: the University Senate of the University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri, Reykjavík University, the Iceland Academy of the Arts, the Iceland University of Education, the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Iceland, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, the National Theatre, the Association of Teachers of Icelandic, the Writers‟ Union of Iceland, the National Union of Icelandic Journalists, terminology committees, and Hagþenkir - the Association of Icelandic Non-fiction Writers. The Minister of Culture appoints two members without nomination, one of whom shall act as chairman and the other as deputy chairman. The office of the Icelandic Language Council is located at the Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies. www.arnastofnun.is
The Icelandic Language Fund The Icelandic Language Fund operates according to a special set of regulations, No. 297/1995. The primary purpose of the fund is to promote and support all types of activities intended to strengthen the Icelandic language and its preservation.
Icelandic Language Day On 16 November 1995 the Icelandic government agreed, on the basis of a proposal by the Minister of Culture, that 16 November each year, the birthday of 19th-century Icelandic poet Jónas Hallgrímsson, should be declared Icelandic Language Day. On that day, the Ministry of Culture engages in a special effort dedicated to the cultivation of the Icelandic language. Cooperation between agencies and individuals in various social sectors is emphasised in preparation for the day. www.menntamalaraduneyti.is/malaflokkar/Menning/dit/
Cultural House The Cultural House operates under regulation No. 265/2003. Its role is to be a platform to present Icelandic history and cultural heritage. It also provides facilities for exhibitions, meetings and different events. From 1 October 2009 the Cultural House has been under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. Before that it was under the auspices of the Prime Ministry. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 94,8 million. thjodmenning.is
Other projects in the cultural heritage field The Ministry of Culture provides support for the work of various institutions and associations that facilitate the preservation and transmission of the nation‟s cultural heritage. In the national budget there is a list of parties receiving grants under agreements with the Ministry. They are highly diverse and include, among others, Snorrastofa in Reykholt, www.snorrastofa.is and Gunnarsstofnun at Skriðuklaustur, www.skriduklaustur.is/
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Cultural agreements with local authorities
The purpose of cultural agreements with local authorities is to stimulate cultural activities and to channel the support of the state and local authorities in one direction. The influence of local authorities on the prioritisation of such activities is also increased. In addition to the contribution from the state to the agreements, the local authorities contribute to joint projects either from their own budget or from private enterprises. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 265 million to the following eight cultural agreements. Local authorities should contribute with at least 25% and pay half of the cost concerning Cultural Councils.
Cultural agreement with the Municipality of Akureyri The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen Akureyri‟s position as a centre of cultural activity outside the capital area, in accordance with the government‟s policy in regional matters. The support of the state and local authorities for major cultural projects is channelled into a single direction so as to merge initiative and responsibility when it comes to specific projects. The agreement covers contributions by the state treasury to specific cultural projects in Akureyri, in particular the Akureyri City Theatre, the Akureyri Art Museum and the North Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Contributions by the Municipality of Akureyri as per the agreement are, in total, not lower than the contribution by the state at any given time. The agreement was effective until the end of 2009 and was renewed for one year. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 120 million.
Cultural agreement with East Iceland A cultural agreement with East Iceland was renewed in 2008 and is effective until the end of 2010.
The East Iceland Cultural Council is a collaboration forum between the municipalities in the area. Its role, among others, is to initiate and promote developments in cultural matters, allocate funding for cultural projects in East Iceland, and to carry out the stipulations of the agreement. The Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Culture are party to the agreement on behalf of the Icelandic government, working together in an effort to promote cultural tourism. The local authorities contribute funding for joint projects by working to increase the disposable income of the East Iceland Cultural Council, either through private donations or its own contributions. The agreement also stipulates that the municipalities submit contributions matching that of the state to the cultural centres in East Iceland. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were ISK 41,5 million.
Cultural agreement with West Iceland An agreement was signed in 2005 between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Communications on the one hand, and 17 municipalities in West Iceland on the other, for cooperation in the fields of culture and cultural tourism. The agreement is effective until the end of 2008. The agreement was renewed for 2010. The West Iceland Cultural Council is a collaborative
22 forum between the different municipalities, the role of which is to initiate and promote active development in cultural affairs, allocate funding for cultural projects and projects in the field of cultural tourism in West Iceland, and to carry out the stipulations of the agreement. The municipalities also allocate funding for joint projects, either through private donations or its own contributions. Allocations by the state under the agreement in 2010 amount to ISK 25 million.
Cultural agreement with North-East Iceland An agreement was signed in May 2007 between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Communications on the one hand, and 16 municipalities in North-East Iceland on the other, for cooperation in the fields of culture and cultural tourism. The agreement was effective until the end of 2009. The purpose of the agreement is to stimulate cultural activities in North-East Iceland and to channel financial contributions from the state and municipalities into one fund. The North-East Iceland Cultural Council is a collaborative forum between the different municipalities, the role of which is to initiate and promote active development in cultural affairs, allocate funding for cultural projects and projects in the field of cultural tourism in North-East Iceland, and to carry out the stipulations of the agreement. The agreement was renewed for 2010 and allocations by the state amount to ISK 25 million.
Cultural agreement with North-West Iceland An agreement was signed in May 2007 between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Communications on the one hand, and municipalities in North-West Iceland on the other, for cooperation in the fields of culture and cultural tourism. The agreement was effective until the end of 2009. The purpose of the agreement is to stimulate cultural activities in North-West Iceland and to channel financial contributions from the state and municipalities into one fund. The North-West Iceland Cultural Council is a collaborative forum between the different municipalities, the role of which is to initiate and promote active development in cultural affairs, allocate funding for cultural projects and projects in the field of cultural tourism in North-West Iceland, and to carry out the stipulations of the agreement. The agreement was renewed for 2010 and allocations by the state amount to ISK 25 million.
Cultural agreement with municipalities in Westfjords An agreement was signed in May 2007 between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Communications on the one hand, and 10 municipalities in Westfjords on the other, for cooperation in the fields of culture and cultural tourism. The agreement was effective until the end of 2009. The purpose of the agreement is to stimulate cultural activities in Westfjord and to channel financial contributions from the state and municipalities into one fund. The Westfjord Cultural Council is a collaborative forum between the different municipalities, the role of which is to initiate and promote active development in cultural affairs, allocate funding for cultural projects and projects in the field of cultural tourism in Westfjords, and to carry out the stipulations of the agreement. The agreement was renewed for 2010 and allocations by the state amount to ISK 26 million.
23 Cultural agreement with municipalities in Southern Iceland An agreement was signed in May 2007 between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Communications on the one hand, and 14 municipalities in Southern Iceland on the other, for cooperation in the fields of culture and cultural tourism. The agreement was effective until the end of 2009. The purpose of the agreement is to stimulate cultural activities in Southern Iceland and to channel financial contributions from the state and municipalities into one fund. The Southern Iceland Cultural Council is a collaborative forum between the different municipalities, the role of which is to initiate and promote active development in cultural affairs, allocate funding for cultural projects and projects in the field of cultural tourism in Southern Iceland, and to carry out the stipulations of the agreement. The agreement was renewed for 201 and allocations by the state amount to ISK 29,5 million.
Cultural agreement with municipalities in Sudurnes An agreement was signed in May 2007 between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Communications on the one hand, and 5 municipalities in Sudurnes on the other, for cooperation in the fields of culture and cultural tourism. The agreement was effective until the end of 2009. The purpose of the agreement is to stimulate cultural activities in Sudurnes and to channel financial contributions from the state and municipalities into one fund. The Sudurnes Cultural Council is a collaborative forum between the different municipalities, the role of which is to initiate and promote active development in cultural affairs, allocate funding for cultural projects and projects in the field of cultural tourism in Sudurnes, and to carry out the stipulations of the agreement. The agreement was renewed for 2010 and allocations by the state amount to ISK 18 million.
Broadcasting
The Broadcasting Rights Committee Under the Broadcasting Act No. 53/2000, the Broadcasting Licence Agency issues broadcasting licences and monitors that the legal stipulations in such licences are complied with.
The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV) After a law was passed in the Althingi in January 2007 the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV) is a public limited company owned by the Icelandic state. It receives its primary source of funding through mandatory user licence fees and through revenues from radio and television advertisements. As from January 1st 2009 the RUV‟s main source of income will come from a special fee that directors of taxation impose at the same time as taxes are assessed under the Income Tax Act. The law stipulates that the National Broadcasting Service shall broadcast to the entire country and the immediately adjacent fishing grounds one radio channel and one television channel year-round. Among the responsibilities of the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service is the promotion of the Icelandic language, as well as the nation‟s history and its cultural heritage. The board of the
24 Company shall be elected at its annual general meeting, which shall be held before the end of May each year. It shall consist of five persons, with the same number of alternates. Before the board is elected at the annual general meeting five persons and the same number of alternates shall be elected under proportional representation by the Althingi, and they shall be elected to the board of the company. The responsibilities of the board of the RUV is among other things to engage a director of RUV and release him/her from employment, taking all major decisions of the operation of the company and approve in advance the budget for each operational year. According to the new Act the Minister of Education, Culture and Science and the RUV have made a special public service contract covering objectives, scope and detailed requirements regarding public service broadcasting. www.ruv.is
Ministry of Culture’s support for sports and youth activities
The state‟s involvement in general sport and youth activities is only institutionalised to a minor degree, except in the important role played by the schools. Various types of facilities for sporting activities, such as for the leisure and extra-curricular activities of young people, are operated by the local authorities or on their behalf. This is also a field in which non- governmental organisations are very active.
Sports
Sports activities are administered under the Sports Act No. 64/1998, which stipulates that the Ministry of Culture is responsible for sports activities to the extent that the state becomes involved. To that end the Ministry collects information on the practice of sports in Iceland and the facilities available for sports activities, and supports research in the field.
The Sports Committee - The Sports Fund The role of the Sports Committee is to advise the Ministry of Culture on matters concerning sports activities. The committee makes recommendations to the Ministry regarding funding for sports under the national budget, and disburses grants from the Sports Fund. The allocations to the fund under the national budget shall be used to support special projects by private individuals, sports clubs and their federations, aimed at improving facilities for sports activities, outreach and educational projects, and research and projects in accordance with Article 13 of the Sports Act. Under the Act, local authorities are expected to allocate building grants to sports clubs and associations, in line with their budgets. The Act also stipulates that the building of sports venues for use by schools and the general public is the responsibility of local authorities. The Minister of Culture appoints the Sports Committee, which has five members. The chairman is appointed without nomination, whereas the following associations each nominate one member: The National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, the Icelandic Youth Association, the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland and the Sports Teachers‟ Department of the
25 Icelandic University of Education. Deputies are appointed in the same manner. The committee is appointed for four-year terms. Allocations to the Sports Fund from the 2010 national budget were ISK 15,2 million. www.menntamalaraduneyti.is/afgreidsla/sjodir-og-eydublod/nr/1828
The National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland The National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, along with various special sports associations, receive grants under the “Sports – miscellaneous” item on the national budget. Funding for the sports movement through gaming and betting is based on the Foodball Pools Act No. 59/1972 with later amendments, and the Lotteries Act No. 26/1986. In 2005, revenues by the sports movement from the football pool Íslenskar getraunir amounted to ISK 83,1 million, and from the lottery Íslensk getspá ISK 227,6 million. Alþingi, the parliament, has extended permits authorising the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, the Icelandic Youth Association and the Icelandic Federation of the Handicapped to operate betting pools and lotto games until the year 2019. www.isisport.is
The Icelandic Winter Sports Centre in Akureyri In 1995, a joint project was launched between the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Akureyri, the Icelandic Sports Association and the Akureyri Sports Federation, for the development of the Icelandic Winter Sports Centre in Akureyri. A Regulation regarding the operations of the centre No. 362/1995, cf. Regulation No. 364/1995 was issued. In 2003, the Minister of Culture and the Mayor of Akureyri signed agreements for the operations and development of the Icelandic Winter Sports Centre in Akureyri for the years 2003 – 2008. Total contributions from the state under the agreements amount to ISK 196.6 million. www.vmi.is/
The Outstanding Athletes Fund A common goal for the sports movement is for Iceland to have outstanding athletes that are on par with the best in the world. Various conditions must be in place for this to happen, one of which is for outstanding athletes to be provided with an opportunity to train and cultivate their talents and skills. To support this goal, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Culture and the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, to jointly finance the operations of the Outstanding Athletes Fund, thereby augmenting the resources at the Fund‟s disposal. This allows for grants to be allocated to the nation‟s top athletes to help support their efforts in the international arena. Under the current agreement, the state contributes ISK 140 million for the period 2004-2008.
The Chess Grandmasters’ Salary Fund The Chess Grandmasters‟ Salary Fund was established in accordance with Act 58/1990. The first allocations from the Fund were made in 1991. The purpose of the fund is to provide Icelandic Grandmasters in chess with financial security, thus allowing them to devote themselves to the art of chess. Grandmasters receiving salaries from the fund are obliged to teach
26 and instruct at the Icelandic Chess School, along with performing research and competing in chess on Iceland‟s behalf. The fund has a three-member committee, with the Minister of Culture nominating two members and the Icelandic Chess Federation one member. One of the Ministry‟s nominees also acts as chairman of the committee. Allocations under the 2010 national budget were 17,2 million.
The Icelandic Chess School The Icelandic Chess School has been operated by the Icelandic Chess Federation in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture since 1991, under Act No. 76/1990. The role of the school is to teach chess and to oversee all types of education aimed at promoting the growth and advancement of chess in Iceland. The Icelandic Chess School conducts workshops throughout the country in cooperation with the chess movement and the nation‟s schools. The school has a three-member board, appointed for three-year terms, with the Minister of Culture appointing one and the Icelandic Chess Federation two, in collaboration with the Association of Icelandic Grandmasters. Allocations from the 2010 national budget were 7,9 million. www.skakskolinn.is/
Youth and leisure activities
The Youth Act No. 70/2007 provides the main rules of public funding for youth and leisure activities. Under the Act, recipients of such support are non-governmental organisations working on youth activities, as well as agencies primarily serving the welfare of non-affiliated adolescents in an organised manner.
The Youth Fund The Youth Fund operates according to Act No. 70/2007. The committee of the Youth Fund is with three members nominated for two years. The committee makes recommendations to the Minister of Culture concerning allocations from the fund.
The main purpose of the fund is to support special projects run by youth organisations or associations, created for children and adolescents and/or with their active participation. These include the training of youth leaders and instructors to take an active part in youth activities, such as through workshops; innovation and experimentation in community work for children and adolescents; and joint projects between youth organisations and associations that are active in community work.
Under paragraph 1, allocations from the fund do not cover annual or regular community activities, such as congresses, tournaments or similar, nor group travel. Applications are invited twice annually and the deadline for applications is advertised each time. In 2010, allocations under the national budget were ISK 7,5 million.
www.menntamalaraduneyti.is/afgreidsla/sjodir-og-eydublod/nr/2583
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The Youth Council The Minister of Culture appoints the Youth Council for two-year terms. The council chairman and deputy chairman are appointed without nominations, five members are nominated by youth organisations and two members are nominated by the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland.
The role of the Youth Council is to act as an advisory body to the government on youth matters, make policy proposals, comment on youth issues, stimulate youth activities of different youth organisations, organise meetings and conferences on youth matters, participate in international cooperation, contribute to training of youth leaders, trainers and volunteers and deal with other issues at the request of the Minister of Culture.
Annual allocations for youth activities under the national budget go primarily towards supporting the operations of various youth organisations, either in accordance with a specific budgetary item, or according to the Ministry of Culture‟s decision. Allocations for youth activities from the 2010 national budget were ISK 199,4 million.
As well as providing general support for youth organisations and their operations, the work of the Ministry of Culture in this area is focused on strengthening the basis of social and leisure activities and publication activities.
Research into youth matters Since 1992, the Ministry of Culture has supported regular research into youth matters under the heading Young People. The research provides an important tool for monitoring such factors as education, culture, leisure activities, sports, emotional well-being, interests of children and adolescents, and the future vision of Icelandic youths. In other words, research conducted under the Young People project not only assists the government, but also youth organisations, sporting associations and the vast numbers of other parties that work with children and adolescents. Among other things, the research has proven useful for local authorities and others working with children and young people in formulating policies in various areas. The Council of Europe and the European Union both stress the importance of conducting research into youth issues, as do a great number of nations.
28 Budget allocations
Allocations to the Ministry of Culture under the 2010 national budget were ISK 60,4 billion of the total national treasury expenditures of ISK 560,7 billion. Some ISK 10,1 billion was earmarked for cultural affairs, or about 16,8% of total allocations to the Ministry. User licence fees for the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service notwithstanding, allocations for cultural affairs amounted to just over ISK 6,9 billion, or some 11,4% of total allocations to the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.
Various allocations for cultural affairs The national budget shows budgetary items allocated by the Ministry of Culture, in part or in full, on the basis of applications for various arts projects or other cultural activities. In particular, these are contributions to projects that are not covered by funds operated by the Ministry. Listed below are the budgetary items concerned, and allocations to them in 2010.
02-919 1.98 Museums, various contributions by the Ministry of Culture Grants based on applications ISK 16,800,000 02-983 1.10, Research and Scholarly activities Grants based on applications ISK 9,100,000 02-984 1.98 Nordic cooperation Agreements and grant allocations based on applications ISK 12,000,000 02-999 1.98 Various contributions by the Ministry of Culture Agreements and grant allocations based on applications ISK 34,500,000
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